esteem

[ ih-steem ]

verb (used with object)

1. to regard highly or favorably; regard with respect or admiration:

   I esteem him for his honesty.

   Synonyms: respect, revere, honor

   Antonyms: disdain

2. to consider as of a certain value or of a certain type; regard:

   I esteem it worthless.

3. Obsolete. to set a value on; appraise.

noun

1. favorable opinion or judgment; respect or regard:

   to hold a person in esteem.

   Synonyms: veneration, reverence, honor, admiration, favor

2. Archaic. opinion or judgment; estimation; valuation.

esteem

/ ɪˈstiːm /

verb

1. to have great respect or high regard for

   to esteem a colleague

2. formal.
   to judge or consider; deem

   to esteem an idea improper

noun

1. high regard or respect; good opinion
2. archaic.
   judgment; opinion

Derived Forms

• esˈteemed, adjective

Other Words From

• pre·es·teem verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of esteem¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English estemen, from Middle French estimer, from Latin aestimāre “to fix the value of”

Word History and Origins

Origin of esteem¹

C15: from Old French estimer, from Latin aestimāre estimate

Synonym Study

See respect.

Example Sentences

It’s one of my all-time favorite songs, and he’s written several that I just hold in such high esteem.

From Los Angeles Times

The esteemed chef was a finalist at this year’s James Beard Award in the “Best Chef: Great Lakes” category.

From Salon

“You don’t think the guy can go up anymore in your esteem, another rung on the ladder of your esteem,” Harbaugh said, “and then he finds another one. It’s incredible.”

From Los Angeles Times

The statement added: "She has built her barrier high, she doesn't trust people, has no self esteem and blames herself."

From BBC

The boy, described by his attorneys as an athletic teenager, had enrolled at the high school this school year and was excited about the prospect of playing on an esteemed high school football team.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• hold dear
• revere
• value
• venerate

When To Use

What are other ways to say esteem?

If you esteem someone, you hold them in high regard. How is esteem different from appreciate, value, and prize? Find out on Thesaurus.com.